The Latest News from Wheatsville

Posts by Erica Rose

Sustainable Food Center is proud to be the beneficiary of Wheatsville’s monthly giving for January. For those unfamiliar with our work, our mission is to cultivate a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. Beyond a shared commitment to a just and sustainable food system, it’s the people behind our organizations that make the local food movement in Austin special. In fact, many on staff at SFC are Wheatsville members. Hear from them about why they are proud to be a part of the co-op!

I joined the co-op about two years ago when I realized that I was hanging out at Wheatsville probably four or five times a week! I was sucked in by the great local produce, the friendly staff and the sense of community. So happy I found them and that they are my grocery store of choice J.
—Sara Law, Food Access Manager

I love seeing products sourced from local farmers and ranchers who I know!
— Joy Casnovsky, Deputy Director

I’ve been a Wheatsville member for so many years I’ve lost count. In addition to being a nearly daily stop on my way home from work, Wheatsville was instrumental in helping me start NadaMoo!, the coconut milk ice cream I created in 2004. Wheatsville was one of my first retailers and an ingredient supplier in my start up years. Simply put, they are the real deal when it comes to supporting the community and local food businesses. I love you, Wheatsville!
—Amy Rodman, Business Development Manager

I love being able to depend on finding locally-sourced and organic produce at Wheatsville. It’s great to be able to support an Austin coop and local farmers at the same time!
—Sari Albornoz, Grow Local Program Director

Becoming a member of the co-op was one of the first things I did when I moved to Austin a little over a year ago. As a big supporter of local food, I love seeing the amount of variety from local farms and small producers at Wheatsville.
—Lucinda Ugarte, Grow Local Education Coordinator

I am proud to be a member of Wheatsville Co-op because Wheatsville champions health, well-being and community for a stronger Austin. Thank you, Wheatsville!
— Barrie Cullinan, Finance Coordinator

There is a unique joy that is felt in spaces that are truly community-centered. Wheatsville was one of the first places I ever visited in Austin and I could feel that warmth immediately. Shopping here is a perfect complement to the bounty I can find at SFC Farmers’ Markets. Thank you!!!
—Simone Benz, Food Access Projects Manager

Co+op Explorer Kids get a FREE PIECE of ORGANIC FRUIT every time they visit! To become a card-carrying Co+op Explorer, kids 12 and under simply need to bring you (their grown-up person) to the Hospitality Desk and ask to join the club. That’s it!

When you sign up - each kiddo will be issued their very own super-official Co+op Explorers membership card, sticker, temporary tattoo, and HIGH FIVE! Pretty cool!

They’ll also be eligible to WIN a PRIZE each month through our in-store coloring challenge AND we’ll send a birthday e-mail (actually it goes to you, their grown up, but if you could pass it along we’d appreciate it) letting them know they’ve got a BIRTHDAY SURPRISE from all of us here at the co-op!

Since we launched our Co+op Explorer’s program last year, we’ve had over 300 kids SIGN UP! WOOHOO!

Glad to see so many kids putting those tiny shopping carts to good use!

Once kids are signed up, here's how it works:

1. Kids and parents stop by our fruit basket near the tiny carts.

2. Choose a piece of organic fruit from the basket.

3. Take a sticker & wear it to show off their Co+op Explorer pride!

4. Peels can be thrown away in any of our compost bins.

That's all there is to it! If you have any questions, please ask at the Hospitality Desk.